Level 1 Training & Volunteer Application

Thank you for being part of the Special Olympics Minnesota family! The care, concern and talents of all our athletes, families and volunteers have made Special Olympics one of the most respected sports programs in the world. Your participation in this training is just one more way that you demonstrate your dedication.

Special Olympics Minnesota's (SOMN) Level 1 Training & Volunteer Application process is divided into four parts:
- Volunteer application
- General Orientation training
- Protective Behavior training
- Concussion training
This paperwork is necessary to protect athletes, volunteers and the integrity of Special Olympics Minnesota. It's required for everyone who has close contact with athletes or handles financial assets, including coaches, team assistants, Unified partners, event volunteers and staff.

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Volunteer Application
Code of Conduct

Special Olympics Minnesota is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all volunteers to honor Special Olympics principles. All SOMN volunteers agree to observe the following code:
- I will provide for the general welfare, health and safety of all Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.
- I will dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times.
- I will follow the established rules and guidelines of Special Olympics Minnesota and/or any agency involved with Special Olympics Minnesota.
- I will not promote religious or political beliefs or preferences while volunteering.
- I will report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participants.
The relationship between Special Olympics and volunteers is an “at will” arrangement and may be terminated at any time without cause by either the volunteer or Special Olympics Minnesota.

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Contact Info
Name*
First Last
Address*
Address City State Zip code
Primary email*
Enter email Confirm email
Secondary email (optional)
Enter email Confirm email
Primary phone*
Primary phone type*
Secondary phone (optional)
Secondary phone type

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Gender*
Birthdate*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Health/accident insurance company (optional)

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Emergency Contact
Name*
First Last
Email*
Enter email Confirm email
Primary phone*
Primary phone type*
Secondary phone (optional)
Secondary phone type

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Reference #1 (not a family member)
Name*
First Last
Relationship*
employer, coworker, friend, etc.
Email
Enter email Confirm email
Phone
Reference #2 (not a family member)
Name*
First Last
Relationship*
employer, coworker, friend, etc.
Email
Enter email Confirm email
Phone

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Communicable Disease Waiver
Please scroll through the text in the box below and ensure that you understand the waiver points before signing.*
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (“Agreement”) for SPECIAL OLYMPICS

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in Special Olympics sports training, competition or fundraising activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious and/or communicable diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,

2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,

3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases. If, however, I observe and any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,

4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Special Olympics, Inc, Special Olympics Minnesota their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
I have read this release of liability and assumption of risk agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it freely and voluntarily without any inducement.
For participants of minority age (under age 18 at the time of registration) or athletes who are not their own guardian
This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian, with legal responsibility for this participant, have read and explained the provisions in this waiver/release to my child/ward including the risks of presence and participation and his/her personal responsibilities for adhering to the rules and regulations for protection against communicable diseases. Furthermore, my child/ward understands and accepts these risks and responsibilities. I for myself, my spouse, and child/ward do consent and agree to his/her release provided above for all the Releasees and myself, my spouse, and child/ward do release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s/ward’s presence or participation in these activities as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent provided by law.
I agree to the parent/guardian waiver.
Please enter the parent/guardian's name.
First Last

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General Orientation Training
Thank you for joining Special Olympics Minnesota! Volunteers play an essential role in all Special Olympics programming, we are excited for you to join the team! This training will cover the basics of Special Olympics Minnesota’s organization, programs and structure.

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Mission
Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athlete, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

Components
- Year-round
- Sports training and competition
- Olympic-type sports
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities
Outcomes
- Physical fitness
- Courage and joy
- Sharing of gifts and skills
- Friendship with family, athletes and community
Vision
Special Olympics Minnesota will be recognized as the premier organization providing essential life skills opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our athletes will derive the full benefit of our mission through multi-level, year round sports opportunities and related health and leadership programs.
Structure
Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) became an accredited Special Olympics program in 1973.

SOMN serves more than 8,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

SOMN offers year-round sports training and competition opportunities.

Minnesota is divided into 13 program Areas to better serve our athletes.

SOMN conducts state, regional and yearly Area competitions.

Area events feature local teams competing in different Olympic-type sports.

SOMN offers volunteer training through our coach education program, which provides sports-specific training to more than 500 coaches each year.

Worldwide, Special Olympics includes more than 4.1 million athletes from more than 175 countries.

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Current sports offered
Winter Games
January-March
Alpine skiing
Poly hockey
Powerlifting
Snowboarding
Snowshoeing

Summer Games
April-June
Basketball
Gymnastics
Swimming
Track & field

Summer Sports Classic
July-early August
Equestrian
Golf
Tennis

Fall Games
July-September
Bocce
Softball

Standalone state competitions
Unified State Flag Football - October
State Bowling - November
Volleyball - Area-only competition
Competition opportunities
Scrimmages
Area competitions (90+ annually)
Regional competitions (4 annually)
State competitions (6 annually)
USA Games (every 4 years)
World Games (every 2 years)

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Statement of Eligibility
Special Olympics training and competition is provided for:
- Persons with an intellectual or developmental disability as identified by an agency or a professional
- Ages 8 years or older
- Person registered with Special Olympics to participate
- Children ages 2-7 can participate in Young Athletes
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:

Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.

Developmental disability is an umbrella term that includes intellectual disabilities but also includes physical disabilities. Some developmental disabilities can be strictly physical, such as blindness from birth. Some developmental disabilities--such as autism or cerebral palsy--might include intellectual disabilities. Other developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and fragile X syndrome, could also include intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities can also be caused by social factors.

Down syndrome

Approximately 10 percent of individuals with Down Syndrome have a condition called atlanto-axial instability, which is a mal-alignment of the cervical vertebrae C-1 and C-2 in the neck. This condition may cause possible injury if they participate in activities that hyper-extend or radically flex the neck or upper spine. These athletes are prohibited from the following activities, unless examined by a physician: butterfly stroke and diving starts in swimming, diving, pentathlon, high jumps, squat lifts, equestrian sports, artistic gymnastics, soccer, alpine skiing and any warm up exercise placing undue stress on the head and neck.

Blood-borne contagious infection carriers

No accredited program or games organizing committee may exclude, isolate, or discriminate from participation in any Special Olympics training or competition any athletes who is known to be a carrier of a blood-borne contagious infection or virus.

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Background Check Information
Coaches

Area level
Coaches who have not initiated the background check process prior to the Area Errors & Exceptions deadline will be scratched from competition.
Coaches who have initiated the background check process, but the results have not come back prior to the Area Errors & Exceptions deadline can attend area competitions but cannot be used to fulfill coach ratios.

State level
Coaches who have initiated the background check process, but the results have not come back prior to the State Errors & Exceptions deadline will be scratched from competition.

Unified partners

Unified Partners who have initiated the background check process, but the results have not come back prior to the Area Errors & Exceptions deadline will be scratched from competition, also making them ineligible to advance to a higher level of competition during that sport season.

Athletes

Area level
Athletes who have not initiated the background check process prior to the Area Errors & Exceptions deadline will be scratched from competition, also making them ineligible to advance to a higher level of competition during that sport season.
Athletes who have initiated the background check process, but the results have not come back prior to the Area Errors & Exceptions deadline cannot attend Area competitions but may be eligible to advance to a higher level of competition if results are returned prior to state Errors & Exceptions deadline.

State level
Athletes who have initiated the background check process, but the results have not come back prior to the State Errors & Exceptions deadline will be scratched from competition.

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Sports Organization
Unique from other sports organizations

Sports opportunities for all ability levels are available.
SOMN employs divisioning for equitable competition.
All participants receive an award.
Athletes are eligible for advancement to higher levels of competition.

Divisioning

Divisioning is combining athletes or teams with similar skill levels in matches, games, etc., using the following criteria:
- Age*
- Gender*
- Ability
* Ages and gender may be combined if this achieves a more accurate matching of ability.

Advancement to higher level competition

Applies to USA and World Games only

Higher level competitions have a minimum training requirement (10 hours within eight weeks prior to a culminating competition) with a certified Special Olympics coach.

Training and competition must be in the same sport in which the athlete will compete.

If quotas are limited, priority is given to first-place finishers from all divisions of the sport/event based on eligibility requirements. If the number of first-place finishers exceeds the quota, athletes are selected by random draw.

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Additional Opportunities for Athletes
Unified Sports
Unified Schools
Young Athletes
Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs)
Healthy Athletes
SOfit
Summer sports camp
Wilderness Inquiry trips

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Play Unified
Unified Sports

Unified Sports are inclusive competitions that combine individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Special Olympics Minnesota offers Unified Sports in basketball, bowling, bocce, tennis, golf, gymnastics, swimming, track & field, volleyball, softball and flag football.

Unified Sports enables athletes and Unified partners to:
- Experience meaningful inclusion
- Build an inclusive environment in their school, community and team
- Socialize with peers and develop new friendships
- Participate in their communities and have choices outside of Special Olympics
Watch a video featuring Unified Sports at Orono High School
Learn more about Unified Sports

Unified Schools

Special Olympics Unified Schools is an education- and sports-based strategy powered by an engaged youth community. The program aims to increase athletic and leadership opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities while creating inclusive school communities.

The three pillars of the program are:
- Inclusive Youth Leadership
- Unified Sports
- Whole School Engagement
Watch a video about Unified Schools
Learn more about Unified Schools

Young Athletes

Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. It's designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age eight.

The goals of Young Athletes are to:
- Engage children with intellectual disabilities through developmentally appropriate play activities designed to foster physical, cognitive and social development.
- Welcome family members of children with and without intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics network of support.
- Raise awareness about the abilities of children with intellectual disabilities through inclusive peer participation, demonstrations and other events.
- Develop skills for success as a future Special Olympics athlete:
  - Foundational skills
  - Balancing & jumping
  - Trapping & catching
  - Kicking
  - Walking & running
  - Throwing
  - Striking
  - Advanced skills
Learn more about Young Athletes

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Leadership & Health Programs
Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)

The Mission of Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) To empower athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement, and educate communities around the world that results in positive life changes.

Training classes include Athletes as Coaches, Beginning Global Messenger, Graduate Global Messenger, Athletes as Volunteers, Governance and Leadership 101, Challenges Through Choice, Health & Wellness Ambassador, DIFFERbilities in Youth Leadership, & Athletes as Ambassadors.

Learn more about ALPs

Healthy Athletes

The mission of Healthy Athletes is to improve athletes’ ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. The program is designed to improve athletes health and fitness, leading to enhanced sports experience and improved well-being. Healthy Athletes has seven disciplines:
- Special Smiles (dental screening)
- Healthy Hearing (hearing screening)
- MedFest (sports physical exam)
- Fit Feet (podiatry screening)
- FUNfitness (physical therapy/education)
- Opening Eyes (eye exam)
- Health Promotion (health information and seminars)
Learn more about Healthy Athletes

SOfit

Special Olympics Minnesota’s SOfit health promotion program is a Unified approach to improving and protecting health and wellness for people with and without intellectual disabilities. SOfit offers participants a comprehensive, 360-degree look at wellness and the human spirit. Together, athletes and Unified partners are empowered to challenge and change the way they look at diet, daily exercise and lifestyle choices.

Learn more about SOfit

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Myths & Benefits
Common myths about Special Olympics
- Only for kids
- Held just once per year
- Offers just a few sports
- Only for people with disabilities
- Not inclusive
- Too expensive
- Funded by the United Way
These statements are all FALSE! Special Olympics is available to anyone regardless of their abilities or interest level, and we thank you for your support in this mission!

Proven benefits of Special Olympics participation
- Improved strength, stamina and motor skills
- Improved self-esteem and self confidence
- Healthy, skill-dependable employees
- Greater independent participation in the community
- Increase social skills through teamwork, interaction with peers and people without intellectual disabilities

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Get Involved
Every Special Olympics Minnesota program and event depends on volunteers like you! If you're interested in any of our other volunteer roles, please contact [email protected].

Volunteer roles include:

Coaches
Unified partners
Day-of event volunteers
Healthy Athletes clinicians
Donors & fundraisers
Local Sports Management
Area Sports Management
Young Athletes instructor

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Putting It All Together
Training is essential.

Competition is the means to success.

Skill, confidence, courage and joy are the outcomes of participation.

Better preparation for life is the goal of SOMN programs.

Participation results in lifelong skills and increased independence.

Special Olympics Athlete Oath

"Let me win,
But if I cannot win,
Let me be brave in the attempt."

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Protective Behaviors Training
CONTENT ALERT: This training contains mature content. If you're a minor, we recommend that you take this training with a parent or guardian.

The main objective of this training is the prevention of sexual abuse of Special Olympics athletes and youth participants. It will also briefly address physical and emotional abuse.

Actions Special Olympics has taken to protect athletes
- Require Protective Behavior training
- Establish volunteer screening
- Compose a Code of Conduct for athletes, coaches, parents/guardians and spectators
- Enact policy prohibiting volunteers or staff in authority positions from dating athletes

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Screening Policy
The foremost goal of the volunteer screening policy is to protect the safety and well-being of athletes. Special Olympics screens prospective Class A volunteers and rescreens every three years. If screening reveals criminal history involving certain offense, the volunteer is prohibited or restricted from participation.

Who is a Class A volunteer?

A Class A volunteer is someone who:
- Has regular, close physical contact with athletes.
- Is in a position of authority over or supervision of athletes.
- Is in a position of trust of athletes.
- Handles substantial amounts of cash or other assets of the program.
Examples:
Coaches
Unified partners
Chaperones
Overnight hosts
Drivers of athletes
Board members
Fundraising event committee members
Games management team members

Benefits and limitations

Volunteer screening is a tool that Special Olympics uses to help protect athletes, but it isn't foolproof. For example, many predators do not have criminal records.

As a volunteer, it's your responsibility to be vigilant and report any behavior or activity that doesn't appear appropriate based on your personal experience or warning signs identified in this presentation.

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Codes of Conduct
Codes of conduct are in effect and enforced for athletes, coaches, volunteers and parents/spectators. All Special Olympics programs are required to have a code of conduct for athletes and coaches. The codes list the minimum standards set by Special Olympics.

Each program is responsible for establishing guidelines for sanctions related to breach of these codes of conduct. Included in the codes of conduct are references to the prohibition of volunteers or staff in authority positions dating athletes.

Special Olympics Minnesota's Codes of Conduct

Athlete Code of Conduct
Coach Code of Conduct
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct

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Prevention
Recognizing sexual predators

A sexual predator could be anyone. There is no “look” or behavior pattern that sets them apart.

Sexual predators:
- Target vulnerable populations (such as children and individuals with an intellectual disability)
- Come from all backgrounds
- Can be male or female
- Are often very likable and have warm personalities
- May have limited relationships with other adults
Remind athletes and families that not everyone who comes to a Special Olympics Minnesota event is a volunteer who has been screened and is assumed to be “safe.”

Inappropriate behavior

Inappropriate gifts, trips, outings or other gestures of affection from a volunteer include:
- Invitations for sleepovers at a volunteer’s house
- Invitations to parties at a volunteer's house where parents or care providers are not included
- Excessive displays of interest in a particular athlete or group of athletes (such as all male athletes or only athletes under the age of 13)

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Best practices
For athletes requiring assistance with changing, toileting or showering, it's preferable to have two volunteers are present.

Private conversations with athletes should be within sight of others who are aware of the conversation.

Hugs should respect both athlete and volunteer limits and never be secretive.

Touching should avoid areas a traditional swimsuit would cover.

Be aware of unusual or inappropriate gifts, trips, affection or attention from a volunteer.

Be aware of relationships between volunteers and athletes that become private or secretive.

Be clear and direct about pointing out inappropriate behavior.

Tips for travel

Separate sleeping rooms by gender.

Assign roommates based on similar age, maturity and size.

Establish a plan for checking on each room/athlete.

Clearly explain rules and behavior expectations of both chaperones and athletes before each trip.

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Emotional and Physical Abuse
Prevent emotional abuse

Profanity is never allowed.
Treat athletes with respect and provide encouragement.
Don’t allow demeaning nicknames even among teammates.
Discipline should be part of a meaningful behavior modification strategy and never acted on in anger.

Prevent physical abuse

Corporal punishment is never allowed no matter who says it is OK.
Withholding food or water is maltreatment and strictly prohibited.
Only give prescribed medications in accordance with state regulations (consult the Special Olympics Minnesota office for those regulations).
Be aware of athlete sensitivity to temperature, sound and touch.

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Recognizing Abuse
Look for these signs of abuse:
- Changes in behavior*
- Depression
- Withdrawal (including loss of interest in participation in Special Olympics events)
- Thoughts of or attempts at suicide
- Aggression
- Immature acts
- Sleep disturbances
* Behavioral changes may be the only visible clue that an athlete is the victim of abuse. Abuse causes stress and victims often exhibit stress related behavior. Uncharacteristic changes in behavior that last more than a few days indicate a possible need for interventions, but are not a certain indicator of abuse as there are other causes of stress. Conversely, the absence of behavioral indicators does not indicate a lack of abuse.

Injuries

Injuries to genital areas may indicate sexual abuse; for example, cigarette burns on the inside of the upper leg or on the buttocks. Tether marks or rope burns and abrasions caused by tying wrists, ankles, or the neck are also indicators of probable abuse.

Some athletes are prone to injuries as a consequence of athletic competition. The location of the injury may indicate whether the injury was due to abuse or competition. Injuries that happened due to athletic competition are most likely to be on the shins, knees, elbows, etc. They are less likely to be on the abdomen, across the back, on the back of the legs, or on the facial cheeks.

Possible signs of neglect
- Unattended medical needs
- Inappropriate clothing for the climate and weather conditions
- Chronic hunger and poor personal hygiene

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Reporting Suspicious Activity
Suspicious activity should be reported to Special Olympics staff.

Reports will be reviewed and reported as appropriate.

Suspensions may be utilized during investigations.

Special Olympics reserves the right to expel athletes or volunteers as a result of suspected or confirmed physical, sexual or emotional abuse of a Special Olympics athlete.

When you report an incident, be prepared to answer questions like:
- What makes you think this activity is suspicious?
- When did you witness and/or first suspect the activity?
Who to tell

If the activity is during Special Olympics functions, tell Special Olympics Minnesota leadership (preferably staff).

If you suspect that an athlete is in immediate danger, notify the police, and then Special Olympics Minnesota staff.

If you are a mandatory reporter under your state’s laws, report as required by statue in addition to the report you file with Special Olympics Minnesota.

Reporting is NOT the same as accusing. It just alerts professionals to investigate.

Mandatory reporter

Nearly all states have laws that require some individuals to report suspected abuse (such as teachers, health care providers, etc.). In some states, everyone is a mandatory reporter.

Familiarize yourself with Minnesota's reporting requirements

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Concussion Training
Concussions can result in long-term physical, mental, and emotional problems. You can’t always prevent a head injury in sports, but there are things you can do, as a coach, to give your athletes the best chance of recovery if a concussion happens.

After this training, you’ll know how to recognize and respond to a concussion.

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Defining Concussions
What is a concussion?

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes a person’s head to move rapidly back and forth. They can include “bell ringers” and “dings.”

All concussions are potentially serious. They can cause short- and long-term problems featuring physical, emotional and/or cognitive changes.

No sport is immune to the possibility of concussions.

How does a concussion occur?

A bump, blow or jolt to the head can cause a concussion, as can a forceful collision with another player or the ground. An athlete doesn’t have to be hit in the head to have a concussion. 9 out of 10 concussions do not include a loss of consciousness.

Observing your players

Concussions can happen any time in any sport. Concussions have many different symptoms, some of which aren’t very obvious. It’s important to observe your athletes and to know what to watch for. Be sure to have equipment that properly fits your players and is appropriate for the sport.

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Concussion Symptoms
Headache
Neck pain
Pressure sensation
Double or fuzzy vision
Balance problems
Dizziness
Memory problems
Sluggishness
Feeling foggy
Sensitivity to light and or noise
Nausea
Sleep problems
Difficulty concentrating

Does your athlete have a concussion?

An athlete might have a concussion if they:

Appear dazed or stunned
Seem confused
Forget plays or instructions
Are unsure about game, score or opponent
Move clumsily (altered coordination)
Exhibit balance problems
Show changes in mood, behavior or personality
Respond slowly to questions
Forget events before or after the hit/fall/injury
Lose consciousness

When does a concussion require emergency medical attention?

If a concussion is serious enough, an athlete may require immediate medical attention.

Rush an athlete to an emergency department immediately if an athlete:
- Loses consciousness
- Is persistently vomiting
- Becomes increasingly more confused or restless

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Three Phrases to Remember
Remember the three simple phrases to know what to do if you suspect a concussion.

When in doubt, keep ‘em out.
If you suspect a concussion, keep them out until you have received clearance from the athlete’s healthcare provider.

Stand tall. Make the call.
A good coach errs on the side of caution.

No play without okay.
Don’t let any concussed athlete return to play without medical clearance. Don’t let them play, even with medical clearance, if you are still noticing signs and symptoms.

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Reporting a Concussion and Returning to Play
If you suspect that an athlete has suffered a concussion:
- Provide a letter to the athlete’s parent, guardian or care provider.
  This letter instructs the athlete that they must see a healthcare provider and receive medical clearance before returning to play.
- Complete a Special Olympics Minnesota Accident Report form.
  Send the form to your local Sports Program Manager within 72 hours of the incident.
Returning an athlete to play

Return to play is a medical decision. One of the following must occur if a concussion is suspected:
- The athlete must sit out for a minimum of 7 consecutive days and a healthcare provider must provide written clearance for the athlete to return to play.
  
  or
- A healthcare provider must determine that the athlete did not suffer a concussion and provide written clearance for the athlete to return to play immediately (no 7 day wait is necessary).
The athlete must have a note from a healthcare provider before he/she can play again. This note must be sent to your local Sports Program Manager for inclusion in the athlete’s file.

Return to play progression

An athlete must be free of all symptoms and be cleared by a healthcare provider. If an athlete is cleared by a healthcare provider, but you still notice that he/she is exhibiting symptoms, pull him/her from play and repeat the reporting process.

Cognitive and physical rest are both needed to heal from a concussion. Every concussion is different and a healthcare provider will provide specific instructions to return the athlete to play.

Coaches must follow the instructions of the healthcare provider to ensure the athlete doesn’t experience a second injury. This may include gradually increasing the athlete’s intensity upon return to the sport.

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Concussion Training Review
Follow the game plan
- If you suspect an athlete has a concussion, keep them out of the game.
- Complete the correct paperwork and inform the athlete’s parent, guardian or care provider.
- Don't let the athlete play again until they've been cleared by a healthcare provider and you have a note stating that the athlete can return to play.
Remember the three phrases

When in doubt, keep ‘em out.

Stand tall. Make the call.

No play without okay.

Get more information on the Concussion Policy and forms

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Consent & Waiver of Liability
Background check reminder
In accordance with Special Olympics International policy, all Class A Volunteers over the age of 18 must have a criminal background check that includes a check against a national vendor database and the sex offender registry for each State in which the sex offender registry is available. Class A Volunteers include volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes such as coaches, chaperones, Unified Partners, area and local sports management team members, heads of delegation, ALPs mentors, drivers for athletes and volunteers who have administrative or fiscal authority. Special Olympics Minnesota contracts with HireRight to perform our background checks. Once your application has been processed by our office, you may receive an email from [email protected] with a link to confirm your background check. The link will be active for 5 days, so please watch your email. It may go to your email's junk or spam folder. If your background check is current, you will not receive an email until it expires. Special Olympics Minnesota will incur the cost of your background check.
Please scroll through the text in the box below and ensure that you understand the waiver points before signing.*
I agree to the following:

I affirm under penalty of perjury, that all answers are truthful and understand that Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) may refuse to allow me to volunteer if I provide incorrect information or withheld information. The information that I have provided will be verified, and I give permission to SOMN to make an inquiry of others concerning my suitability to act as a SOMN volunteer. The relationship between SOMN and volunteers is an "at will" arrangement and it may be terminated at any time without cause by either the volunteer or Special Olympics.

1. Ability to Participate. I am physically able to take part in SOMN activities.

2. Likeness Release. I give permission Special Olympics, Inc., Special Olympics games/local organizing committees, and Special Olympics accredited Programs (collectively “Special Olympics”) and Special Olympics partners and sponsors to use my likeness, photo, video, name, voice, words, and biographical information to promote Special Olympics, raise funds for Special Olympics, and acknowledge partners’ and sponsors’ support for Special Olympics.

3. Risk of Concussion and Other Injury. I know there is a risk of injury. I understand the risk of continuing to participate with or after a concussion or other injury. I may have to get medical care if I have a suspected concussion or other injury. I also may have to wait 7 days or more and get permission from a doctor before I start playing sports again.

4. Emergency Care. If I am unable, or my guardian is unavailable, to consent or make medical decisions in an emergency, I authorize SOMN to seek medical care on my behalf.

5. Health Programs. If I take part in a health program as a participant, I consent to health activities, screenings, and treatment. This should not replace regular health care. I can say no to treatment or anything else at any time.

6. Personal Information. I understand that SOMN will be collecting my personal information as part of my participation, including my name, image, address, telephone number, health information, and other personally identifying and health related information I provide to Special Olympics (“personal information”).

I agree and consent to Special Olympics:
• using my personal information in order to: make sure I am eligible and can participate safely; run trainings and events; share competition results (including on the Web and in news media); provide health treatment if I participate in a health program; analyze data for the purposes of improving programming and identifying and responding to the needs of Special Olympics participants; perform computer operations, quality assurance, testing, and other related activities; and provide event-related services.
• using my personal information for communications and marketing purposes, including direct digital marketing through email, text message, and social media.
• sharing my personal information with (i) researchers, such as universities and public health agencies, that are studying intellectual disabilities and the impact of Special Olympics activities, (ii) medical professionals in an emergency, and (iii) government authorities for the purpose of assisting me with any visas required for international travel to Special Olympics events and for any other purpose necessary to protect public safety, respond to government requests, and report information as required by law.
• I have the right to ask to see my personal information or to be informed about the personal information that is processed about me. I have the right to ask to correct and delete my personal information, and to restrict the processing of my personal information if it is inconsistent with this consent.
• In the course of volunteering for Special Olympics, I may be dealing with confidential information and I agree to keep said information in the strictest confidence.
• Privacy Policy. Personal information may be used and shared consistent with this form and as further explained in the Special Olympics privacy policy at specialolympics.org/privacy-policy.aspx.

7. Background Check Authorization. [APPLIES TO ADULTS 18 YEARS & OLDER] I authorize Special Olympics to conduct a background check on me. Refusal to do so will exclude me from consideration for most types of volunteer work with Special Olympics. This background check may be done through a third party. The background check may include an inquiry into my employment, education, driving, and/or criminal history. I understand that Special Olympics may rely on information provided or discovered to determine whether I may participate in Special Olympics activities. I authorize investigators to conduct a background check as described in this form. I further authorize any third parties or agencies who may be in possession of the requested information, to disclose such information in connection with this background check.

8. Waiver and Liability Release. I understand the risks involved with participation in Special Olympics activities. I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I may incur as a result of my participation. I hereby release and agree not to sue any Special Olympics organization, its directors, agents, volunteers, and employees, and other participants (“Releasees”) related to any liabilities, claims, or losses on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the Releasees. I further agree that if, despite this release, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify and hold harmless each of the Releasees from any such liabilities, claims, or losses as the result of such claim. I agree that if any part of this form is held to be invalid, the other parts shall continue in full force and effect.

I affirm that I have read and understand the above information and that the information I have given Special Olympics Minnesota is true and complete.
By checking this box, I agree to the above Consent and Waiver of Liability. If I am under the age of 18, may parent or guardian agrees to the above Consent and Waiver of Liability.
Minors, please enter the name of your parent/guardian.
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Step 1 of 39

Connection with SOMN

Volunteer Application

Contact Info

Emergency Contact

Reference #1 (not a family member)

Reference #2 (not a family member)

Background Info

Communicable Disease Waiver

General Orientation Training

Mission

Vision

Structure

Current sports offered

Competition opportunities

Statement of Eligibility

Background Check Information

Sports Organization

Additional Opportunities for Athletes

Play Unified

Leadership & Health Programs

Myths & Benefits

Get Involved

Putting It All Together

General Orientation Quiz

Protective Behaviors Training

Screening Policy

Codes of Conduct

Prevention

Best practices

Emotional and Physical Abuse

Recognizing Abuse

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Protective Behaviors Quiz

Concussion Training

Defining Concussions

Concussion Symptoms

Three Phrases to Remember

Reporting a Concussion and Returning to Play

Concussion Training Review

Concussion Quiz

Consent & Waiver of Liability